For the 11th year in a row, the feisty soldiers of our fabled VFW's Bill Motto Post No. 5888 will host a gala Christmas Day Dinner, complete with all the trimmings and a price tag of absolutely zero bucks.

The event's donation coordinator, Linda Berkenpas, says that close to 700 dinners will be served between noon and 3pm on Dec. 25 at the downtown Santa Cruz Vet's Hall. "It's really a fun time for everyone," she says, "especially those who don't have families."

According to Berkenpas, the event includes a visit from Santa Claus, toys for youngsters, live music and caroling, and some new menu surprises. "We have a new cook this year, so we're planning to add some vegetarian dishes and some hams in addition to the traditional turkey, and we'll make some special sauces and side dishes."

As well as warm clothes and toys, cash and volunteers also are needed. Berkenpas asks potential donors to call her at 429-8345 and leave a message of what they're bringing.To help decorate, come at 8:30am with scissors, pine boughs, ornaments--whatever. If you want to donate your time serving dinner, show up at 11am. Clean-up starts at 3pm.

To drop off donations--give to those who gave for you--come to the back parking lot and follow the yellow footprints downstairs to the kitchen.